How to restore an iPhone

QUESTION: I've bought a number of apps for my Apple iPhone via iTunes and the App Store. To avoid draining the battery by downloading apps directly to the handset, I'd like to connect my iPhone to my Windows XP PC using USB and transfer them over. However, when I connect the phone its icon doesn't appear on the desktop (although it does charge up). I've tried updating iTunes, restarting the PC and using a different USB port, all to no avail.

ANSWER: Because the iPhone is charging and you've updated iTunes, it's likely you need to restore the handset. This will wipe whatever content is stored on it. You can re-download apps (but not music) for free from iTunes.

Turn off the iPhone and hold down the Home button for at least 10 seconds until the yellow triangle appears with the message 'Please connect to iTunes'.

Plug it into your PC and launch iTunes.

You should get the message 'iTunes has detected a phone in recovery mode'. Click ok and, when prompted, choose Restore.

See also: How to fix everything: the ultimate guide to fixing technology

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